With gas prices continuing to hover north of $3.00 per gallon, there’s no question that many boat owners would love a more fuel efficient engine option. If Volkswagen has their way, the technology they have developed with the Audi group for their automotive TDI diesel engines will be available in wakeboard boats from all of the major manufacturers.
VW Turbo Direct Injection Engines have long been known for their combination of efficiency and low end power, and thanks to their higher specific output, more compact packaging. The range topping TDI 225-6 is a perfect example of this, combining the torque output of a larger V8 engine, in a compact V6 package that gives more storage and interior options for boat manufacturers.
Although Volkswagen has a range of marine diesel engines, the most powerful 225-6 is really the only choice at the moment that would be adequate in a wakeboard boat. With 225HP and 310lb-ft of torque at just 2000RPM, this engine isn’t quite as powerful as today’s inboard V8 engines, but with gobs of low end torque thanks to a compact turbo-charger, it should be more than enough for most boat owners. And with two less cylinder, it will fit in a more compact engine compartment, which could allow manufactures to offer more interior or storage space.
You can check out the complete range of VW Marine Diesel Engines to see what else is offered. Volkswagen and Audi also have higher output V8 diesel engines, some with as much as 700lb-ft of torque, which is far more than any V8 gasoline engine available in the wakeboard industry. With the improved efficiency of diesel engines, and even better performance, that sounds like a no-brainer.
What about you, would you be willing to deal with not being able to fill up at the lake to get more power and spend less money at the pump? Let us know in the comments.
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July 7th, 2007 at 6:42 pm
I am pumped to see some other companies getting involved in the Marine industry for engines. Volkswagen makes great cars and I am excited to see the future as they push the watersports industry.
July 16th, 2007 at 9:31 am
It will definitely be interesting to see what happens over the next few years. Boats are going to continue to fall under the scrutiny of the EPA, and based on their in-efficiencies, they’re going to have to come up with some creative solutions to stay on the water.